We recently received some wonderful news that our client (“the Applicant) from the United Arab Emirates was granted entry clearance to the United Kingdom as a fiancé under Appendix FM SE of the Immigration Rules. Prior to instructing our specialist immigration team; the Applicant had already made wedding arrangements and expressed that she needed her visa within 6 to 8 weeks of instructing us. This was a time-sensitive case but our immigration team was able to successfully assist the Applicant with her entry clearance fiancé visa and ensure she arrived in the United Kingdom in time for her special day. We worked closely with her Sponsor ensuring every requirement was met with supporting documents to show the same. The Applicant received a decision within 4 weeks from submission.
Background to entry clearance fiancé visa application
In our initial consultation with the couple, we discussed their future aims and objectives and the requirements for the Applicant’s fiancé visa. The Applicant was a national of the United Arab Emirates and she was residing in her home country. The Applicant had previously studied in the United Kingdom on a Tier 4 General Student visa. It was during this period she met the Sponsor. Shortly after they met they started dating and their relationship went from strength to strength. The Applicant returned to the United Arab Emirates once she finished her studies. The Applicant and Sponsor maintained their relationship and a few months later decided to get married. The couple selected a venue in the United Kingdom to get married. After speaking to our specialist immigration lawyers the couple instructed us to prepare the Applicant’s fiancé visa application. We successfully assisted the Applicant to secure her visa 4 weeks from the date of submission.
What is an entry clearance fiancé visa?
An entry clearance fiancé visa allows an overseas migrant to enter the United Kingdom to marry their Sponsor. The benefit of applying for a fiancé visa over the marriage visitor visa is that Applicants are not required to leave the United Kingdom once they have married. Further, leave to remain application can be made from within the United Kingdom. The requirements for a fiancé visa are very similar to the spouse visa requirements. Both applications are made under Appendix FM and Appendix FM SE of the Immigration Rules.
What are the requirements for an entry clearance fiancé visa application?
There are a number of key requirements that must be met under Appendix FM and Appendix FM SE to the Immigration Rules. The main requirement is to show that an Applicant and Sponsor are in a genuine and subsisting relationship and they intend to marry. The Home Office will take into consideration the following factors:
- The Applicant and Sponsor have met in person;
- The Applicant and Sponsor must be in a genuine and subsisting relationship;
- The Sponsor has taken the necessary steps to apply for permission to marry (by giving notice);
- The Applicant and Sponsor have taken reasonable steps with respect to marriage preparation; and
- The Applicant and Sponsor must plan on marrying in the United Kingdom.
The Applicant must also meet the financial requirement of £18,600. The minimum income requirement may rise if there are dependants applying with the Main Applicant. To meet the financial requirement the Applicant must submit evidence that her Sponsor is earning a gross annual salary of at least £18,600 and the specified financial documents must be submitted. There are a number of different ways to meet the financial requirement. In addition to this, the Applicant must meet the accommodation requirement and English language requirement at a minimum level of A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). There are a number of different ways an Applicant can meet the English language requirement.
How can we help with an entry clearance fiancé visa application?
Our immigration team specialises in all UK Visas and Immigration applications and prepare applications at the highest standard. We have an impeccable track history of submitting successful applications, especially where there are complexities. The key to submitting successful applications is being aware of the relevant Immigration Rules and more importantly the latest case law. Our immigration team guided the Applicants through the requirements and prepared detailed legal submissions. Our legal submissions focussed on how the Applicant met the requirements under the Immigration Rules. In addition to the legal representations, our team of solicitors also provided multiple substantial reviews of the Applicant’s documents to ensure that she submitted the correct documentary evidence. We also prepared and assisted the Applicant with booking a premium visa service appointment and the application form.
Using Legal Representation to submit an entry clearance fiancé visa application
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to submit an entry clearance fiancé visa application.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your entry clearance fiancé visa application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your entry clearance fiancé visa application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successful entry clearance fiancé visa application
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your entry clearance fiancé visa application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of your settlement application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. LEXVISA is just minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to a successful entry clearance fiancé visa application. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.